It was an evening filled with emotion for the members of the Benoni Lakes Lions Club who officially welcomed the induction of president Beaulieu Maré and bid farewell to outgoing president David McCullough on September 12.
The prestigious black tie event was held at Cherrylane Gourmet Café and included the celebration of the Lions’ last single digit year in service as a Lions Club.
Although Beaulieu’s term commenced in July, the official induction only took place when the lockdown restrictions allowed for it.
MC Michelle ‘t Hart called all in attendance to order to ensure the evening unfolded accordingly and timely.
A list of formalities was adhered to before the president could address guests on the Charter history, these included:
• Lions Creed – Cynthia Glazer
• Toast to South Africa – Tendayi Semusemu
• Grace – Ashley de Gouveia
• Welcome of guests – zone chairperson Lauryn Talbot
• Reply on behalf of guests – past district governor (PDG) Ian King
“It is a privilege to be here under the Covid-19 regulations,” King said.
“I thank the Benoni Lakes Lions for their service, in this past year they served 2 900 people in 1 700 hours and completed 53 service projects.”
Charter history by Beaulieu Maré
“The idea of forming a third Lions club in Benoni came about after a couple of younger people expressed interest in serving the community and using the platform provided by Lions Clubs International to make a difference,” she explained.
“However, none of the existing clubs with their more mature members appealed to them.”
In 2010 Graham Clare began rallying family and friends, and the Benoni Lakes Lions Club was conceived.
Under the guidance of Nick and Beaulieu Maré providing orientation sessions over social get-togethers, the club was officially chartered on September 14, 2011 with 26 members.
District governor Jacqui Hocking was present at the first charter meeting where she inducted charter members, and she ensured she made her appearance at their ninth charter dinner.
“One of the first projects undertaken was assisting at the Special Olympics Opening Eyes screening day held in Springs and from then, sight-related projects have always been a priority of the club,” Beaulieu added.
A spot vision screener was purchased which allowed the club to conduct screenings at schools and companies.
Beaulieu Maré.
Other projects included:
• Providing wristbands to Epilepsy South Africa
• Donating blankets to Oliver’s House
• Toiletries to Cosmos Old Age Home
• Children at Kids Haven were taken to have their eyes tested at Lions Brightsight (located at 110 Woburn Avenue), and spectacles were provided free-of-charge for those who needed.
It was not all a bed of roses for the club, they faced one of its biggest challenges in 2015 when the club was close to closing, but Lion Carmen Chowne in the UK stepped in to assist.
Seven members from the Benoni van Rhyn club transferred and in May of 2015 the club membership reached 11.
They now have 21 members.
Over the years the club received multiple accolades for:
• Highest number of Christmas cakes sold (four times)
• Club scrapbook (twice)
• Project of the year
• Social media award
• Knights of the Blind
• Club of the year (2015-2016)
• Club secretary of the year award (twice)
Beaulieu and immediate past president David thanked a number of people who represented companies that play vital roles through their contributions in making the club a success.
The companies were Ipak, Mediquip, Jetline Boksburg, Tyremart, Masonic Lodge Athol, Southern Sun OR Tambo International, Lakeside Mall and Benoni City Times.
Benoni City Times editor Lana O’Neill (middle) received a certificate of appreciation. She is seen with outgoing president David McCullough and Beaulieu Maré.
Outgoing president’s report – David McCullough
“We began our Lionistic year with what has been our most-talked-about project of all time, a real feel-good project – our Nelson Mandela Day food and blanket drive,” David said.
“This project was done in conjunction with the Salvation Army, several Rotarians and Toyota Knights.
“Another project that was a success was the Robmen House flooring project where concrete floor was laid by PDG Nick Maré and a veggie patch was restored.”
David began his term talking about an eye clinic; however, due to Covid-19 the Lions could not fulfill all their hopes for the year, but the hope of the clinic is still in the pipelines.
“On the same lines of sight, we as a club donated R10 000 worth of sutures and lenses to the ophthalmology separtment at Tambo Memorial Hospital,” he explained.
A hearing aid project that was navigated by zone chairperson Lauryn bore fruition as a man who never heard perfectly in his life could hear again.
“The difference he felt was incredible,” David said.
He also thanked the Lions Club International Foundation for their contributions and donations which have aided the club in numerous situations.
Due to Covid-19, the club could not host their annual golf day and two book sales which generate the most funds.
However, they improvised and began a Christmas wrapping fund-raiser.
“The Christmas cake fund-raiser was well received through PDG Nick. We raised R121 332 through this project, profiting R29 256,” he said.
“There were many other smaller projects and handouts we did this past year. To get to this stage, one cannot do it by oneself.”
He proceeded to thank his board members for their assistance during his term.
Induction of president Beaulieu by Nick Maré
“Any past council chairperson or PDG will tell you what an honour it is to induct new presidents. But there can be no greater honor than inducting your own wife as the president of your own club,” said PDG Nick Maré.
Quoting Asha Tyson, Nick told Beaulieu now is the right time for her to be on this part of her journey.
“There are a number of us in the room who believe the position of the Lion president is the most important in Lionism, and you should be proud that your club has put their faith in you for that privilege,” an emotional Nick said to the Lion president.
He reminded Beaulieu of the importance her role takes in the club and that her and her board members will be required to give a report at the end of her term.
Address by the 2020/2021 club president
The moment finally came for the woman of honour, Beaulieu, to take the stage.
“I am so honoured to be serving as president of this club that is so close to my heart,” she said.
She thanked Lion David for handing over a successful club to her, and thanked all involved in making the evening a success.
“I am so honoured to have the person who has encouraged my Lions journey every step of the way, my husband. I can’t say anything more right now except thank you.”
The theme for the year 2020/2021 is A Journey of Service.
“Although there are many modes of transport, I chose trains due to being a child of Rhodesian Railways and having spent much time with my dad in the rail yards.
“Despite the driver, stoker, conductor and guards all being important, there is not just one person responsible for a train.
“Covid-19 has caused one of two difficulties for the club and each one of our members has been affected in one way or another, but this is an amazing bunch of people and together we can and will get through this.”
Since her term began, the lions have done and plan to do the following:
• Made 67 care parcels for Mandela Day which were distributed to several places to show their appreciation for the services provided.
• Held a poster/essay contest themed Kindness Through Covid-19, which an 11-year-old won.
• Sponsored three people with spectacles. Will sponsor another two in September.
• Will plant 20 olive trees at Putfontein Primary School.
• Aim to have new members by June 30, 2021.
• Host a Lion’s Awareness Day on January 16, 2021.
“I would like our club to be a Green team this year. My overall aim is for our members to have fun and feel fulfilled while on this unbelievable journey.”
She also elected her new board members before taking her seat.
Reply on behalf of Lions Clubs International – Immediate PCC Jacqui Hocking
“There is no truer word said that true leadership is the ability to move people to change.
“The ability to lead comes from within and great leaders are people who connect on an emotional level, and can thus, inspire change.”
Hocking made mention of three things that the club has portrayed in terms of their leadership: gentleness, frugality and humility.
“Be gentle and you can be bold, be frugal and you can be liberal, avoid putting yourself before others and you can lead.”
Jacqui wished Beaulieu and the Lions club a successful term ahead.
* Article by Sheina Razack (Benoni City Time news editor)
